Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Orange-throated orchid Plant Care
Scaphyglottis bidentata (Lindl.) Dressler
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This orchid species is known for its elongated, narrow leaves with two distinct points at the tip. Originating from Central and South America, Scaphyglottis bidentata is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unusual leaf shape and petite size, making it a unique addition to any collection.
Every 5–7 days
Bright indirect to filtered sunlight
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Orange-throated orchid?
Water Orange-throated orchid every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to filtered sunlight. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Orange-throated orchid Native To?
What Is the Orange-throated orchid?
Orange-throated orchid (Scaphyglottis bidentata) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Scaphyglottis genus. Orange-throated orchid is native to the American tropics from Costa Rica to northern Brazil. Orange-throated orchid is also known as Scaphyglottis bidentata.
Orange-throated orchid displays an epiphytic, clumping orchid growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Orange-throated orchid produces small colorful flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Orange-throated orchid?
Scaphyglottis bidentata requires watering every 5–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Orange-throated orchid Need?
Orange-throated orchid thrives in bright indirect to filtered sunlight. Avoid placing Orange-throated orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to filtered sunlight
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Orange-throated orchid Prefer?
Scaphyglottis bidentata grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Orange-throated orchid prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Orange-throated orchid?
Loose, well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Orange-throated orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Orange-throated orchid?
Feed Orange-throated orchid every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Orange-throated orchid?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Orange-throated orchid?
Orange-throated orchid can be propagated through division, back bulbs. Similar propagation techniques also apply to scaphyglottis atwoodii plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Orange-throated orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Orange-throated orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Orange-throated orchid?
Orange-throated orchid is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Orange-throated orchid Need?
Orange-throated orchid grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Orange-throated orchid is native to the American tropics from Costa Rica to northern Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Orange-throated orchid as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Orange-throated orchid is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Scaphyglottis genus — compare its care with other Scaphyglottis species on PlantoScan.
Scaphyglottis is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Orange-throated orchid thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Scaphyglottis Species
Other Scaphyglottis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Scaphyglottis bidentata (Lindl.) Dressler, family Orchidaceae (first published in Lankesteriana 3: 28. 2002) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Orange-throated orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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